Josh Beaver’s journey into the Cigar World began with a personal connection. “I started smoking cigars when I was 18. It was something that helped me bond with my dad.” Over the past five years, Josh has cultivated a career in the cigar industry, turning a beloved hobby into a professional vocation. Before venturing into this field, he spent a decade in the commercial and residential flooring industry, excelling in sales and operations. Feeling ready for a new challenge, he took a leap of faith. “I thought, why not turn what I enjoyed doing most after work into a career?”
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A Vision of Innovation for the Cigar Industry
Consistency, reliability, and hard work are the cornerstones of Josh’s character. These qualities have been instrumental in his success as he navigates the dynamic and ever-evolving cigar industry. His dedication to excellence is evident in his role at Luciano Cigars, where their vision is clear: “We strive to create some of the most unique and sought-after cigars on the market and set a pioneering standard in quality and business practices.”
Josh recognizes a shift in the cigar industry as its demographics become younger and more diverse. “Customers are looking for something new and different. They’re not tied to traditional brands,” he observes. His vision is for the industry to embrace this change by breaking down barriers and fostering innovation. He also advocates for cigar lounge events to evolve into truly unique experiences, tailored to the clientele and worthy of the title “event.”
Earning Growth Through Quality and Consistency
Even though Luciano Cigars have been met with countless rave reviews and impressive sales figures, Josh and Luciano Cigars continue to welcome the opportunities involved in the objective of connecting customers to their cigars.
One piece of advice has guided Josh throughout his career: “Every day is a job interview.” This advice, given by a boss when he was 19, has shaped his work ethic and ambition. “You’re not just interviewing for the job you have, but also for the job you want.”
And for those looking to build a career in the cigar industry, Josh’s advice is simple yet profound: “This is an industry of passion. Yes, you can make money, but the foundation must always be a love for the industry and the product we create.”
Empowering Women in the Cigar Community
Josh is a strong advocate for the SOTL movement and envisions its role expanding beyond cigar lounges. “I’d love to see SOTL create workshops and real pathways to promote women entrepreneurs within the industry. I’d love to see more female lounge owners, for example.” For this reason, he believes women will play a key role in the future of the industry and encourages them to think big. “Don’t settle for what’s convenient. Tap into your natural instinct and vision to pursue what’s meaningful to you and your community.”
Josh Beaver’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and a forward-looking vision for the cigar industry. As he continues to light the way at Luciano Cigars, he remains committed to creating unforgettable experiences, fostering innovation, and building a more inclusive and dynamic community. For Josh, the journey is as rich and rewarding as the cigars he sells –a testament to his belief that every day is an opportunity to achieve greatness.
